A Brush with Shadows

A Brush with Shadows (2018) Anna Lee Huber

Set in 1831 in Dartmoor England

Lady Darby and her husband Sebastian Gage have been summoned to Dartmoor by Sebastian’s grandfather, because his cousin has gone missing. But when they arrive, it seems that everyone believes Alfred has simply gone off for awhile–he has a deserved reputation as a rake and a libertine.

The complaints were much the same. Alfred was snide and reckless, uncaring of who or what got in the way of his own pleasure. Just as Gage had feared, there was no end of angry fathers, brothers, and husbands who claimed his cousin had trifled with their female relations in some way.

But it’s been a fortnight, and no one has had any sign of him, so Gage begins a search, has to contend not just with a missing cousin, but also with the difficult relationship he had with his mother’s family–including being bullied by his cousins.

“You don’t have to be polite,” he told me before turning back to the window. His forehead furrowed. “Your family may be different, but the Trevelyans have never found such niceties to be necessary.”

“Then perhaps that’s your trouble,” I replied, perching on the opposite end of the bench. “After all, kindness and courtesy go a long way. And oftentimes family members need it to fall back on more than anyone.”

It was an interesting mystery, and I remain fascinated by Kiera and Sebastian’s relationship. They’re recently married, and are still learning about each other, and Sebastian was more damaged by his family and childhood than he let on, so things are rocky for a time. Since I have a fondness for stable relationships in my stories–and realistic relationships–I do quite like this series.
Rating: 7.5/10

Publisher: Berkley

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